From Stroke to Strength

Rediscovering Life Four Years Later

First, I truly thank my “pledged subscribers” for having my back as a local artist. I’m able to do what I do because of your love and support. Thanks for being here with me and supporting me on my journey!! You Rock.

Looking back four years ago, I can hardly believe I’ve been writing on Substack for this long. It feels like both a lifetime ago and just yesterday. When I reflect on those early days after suffering a stroke that completely changed my life—and my family’s life—it’s overwhelming to think about how far I’ve come.

Four years ago, I couldn’t draw a straight line, let alone imagine painting or writing. I struggled to control my hands and fingers long enough to type even a few words. Simple tasks, like holding a pen or lifting a fork, felt like climbing a mountain. My body wasn’t my own. Walking was almost impossible. Talking was a struggle. And bright lights? They turned the world into a spinning blur, each headache a cruel reminder of how my stroke had started—a horrifying migraine that unraveled life as I knew it.

I remember the fear. It wasn’t just the physical pain—it was the uncertainty. I wondered if I’d ever return to the person I was before. Would I ever walk unassisted? Speak clearly? Be able to look at a computer screen, a canvas, or a keyboard without dreading the toll it would take?

But here I am today, sitting at my dining room table at 6 a.m. CST. Both hands are working as they should, my thoughts are flowing, and my fingers are dancing across the keyboard like it’s second nature. I am reminded of just how miraculous this journey has been. June 2021 feels like a distant memory, yet its impact is woven into everything I do.

I often think about the people who stood by me—my family, my friends, and the community that held me up when I couldn’t do it myself. Their unwavering love and support were my lifeline. And now, as I sit here reflecting, I realize that my love for them has only deepened. Life has a way of teaching us who and what truly matters, and these past four years have been the greatest teacher of all.

This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about rediscovery. I rediscovered my body’s ability to heal, my mind’s ability to adapt, and my spirit’s resilience in the face of what once felt impossible. And in this process, I also found a creative spark I never knew I had. Writing became my outlet, art became my therapy, and life became something to savor—not just survive.

So today, I’m filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the journey, the lessons, the struggles, and the triumphs. Gratitude for the ability to type this reflection, for the hands that can paint, and for the people who never gave up on me.

If my story resonates with you, know that no matter how impossible things may feel in the moment, progress is possible—sometimes in ways you can’t imagine. And if you’re in the midst of your own struggle, keep going. Healing isn’t linear, and life has a way of surprising us.

Let’s raise a metaphorical glass—to resilience, to love, and to the joy of simply being here! I am an artist.

Now go create something beautiful.

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